Cardiovascular drugs Flashcards
ACE inhibitors examples
ramipril, lisinopril
Main indications for ACE inhibitors
Hypertension- first line, heart failure, secondary prevention after MI
What do ACE inhibitors do
ACE inhibitors competitively inhibit angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and thus reduce the generation of angiotensin II and also consequently aldosterone. reduces sodium and water retention and leads to arterial and venous dilation
contraindications and cautions of ACE inhibitors
afro-caribbeans dont respond well- CCBs first line instead
May lower blood glucose in diabetes
Contraindicated in pregnancy
Be careful in combination with other drugs that can increase potassium eg thiazide like diuretics and potassium sparing diuretics
Adverse effects of ACE inhibitors
persistent dry cough, renal dysfunction, angioedema
Amiodarone main indications
arrhythmias particularly when other drugs are ineffective or contraindicated
Mechanism of action of amiodarone
Anti arrhythmic and anti adrenergic. blocks potassium channels so lengthens refractory period, blocks sodium, blocks alpha and beta receptors, weak calcium blocking effect, slows sinus rate and AV conduction and slightly prolongs QT interval
Contraindications of amiodarone
heart block, bradycardia, thyroid dysfunction, hypokalaemia, cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, severe resp or heart failure
adverse effects of amiodarone
corneal microdeposits, hypokalaemia, hepatic disorders, hyperthyroidism, resp disorders, phototoxic
Atropine indications
bradycardia
mechanism of action of atropine
binds to and inhibits muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, producing anticholinergic effects
contraindications of atropine
HF, coronary artery disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, tachycardia, arrhythmias, acute MI, GI obstruction
adverse effects of atropine
dry mouth, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea
aspirin main indications
ACS, ischaemic stroke, thromboprophylaxis in patients in high cardiovascular risk
aspirin mechanism of action
main antiplatelet, irreversibly blocks COX in platelets which inhibits TXA2 synthesis and production of antithrombotic prostaglandin I2 PGI2
contraindications of aspirin
avoid in active peptic ulceration and bleeding disorders
adverse effects of aspirin
GI bleeding and ulceration
Angiotensin receptor blockers ARBs examples
iosartan, valsartan
main indications of ARBs
hypertension, post MI, heart failure - when ACEi not tolerated
mechanism of action of ARBs
competitively inhibits the binding of angiotensin II to AT1 in many tissues including vascular smooth muscle and adrenal glands. causes vasodilation and blockage of aldosterone release
contraindications of ARBs
pregnancy, planning to be pregnant
adverse reactions to ARBs
dizziness (postural hypertension), hyperkalaemia, localised angioedema
alpha blockers main indications
resistant hypertension
alpha blockers example
doxazosin
beta blockers- cardioselective examples
atenolol, bisoprolol
beta blockers- non cardioselective examples
propranolol, carvedilol
cardioselective beta blockers main indications and mechanism of action
competitive inhibition of only B1 receptors, used in angina, ACS, MI, hypertension, heart failure. lowers heart rate and blood pressure
non-cardioselective beta blockers main indications and mechanism of action
block beta 1 and beta 2 receptors. used in thyrotoxicosis, migraine. lowers the HR and BP
contraindications and cautions of B Blockers
brittle asthma, can worsen HF in the short term
adverse effects of B blockers
tiredness, cold peripheries
calcium channel blockers examples
amlodipine, verapamil, diltiazem